Shortfalls in state-run retirement systems continue to grow and in fiscal year 2012, the gap between promises to state workers and funding reached $915 billion. Unfunded pension obligations can have significant implications for a state's fiscal stability, including increased borrowing costs, lowered credit ratings and the diversion of state resources away from other spending priorities like infrastructure and education. To help state policymakers better understand the intricacies of public pension reform, CSG will host a full-day policy academy in conjunction with the CSG National/CSG West 2014 Annual Conference Aug. 9, in Anchorage, Alaska.

In an increasingly global economy, states must make themselves attractive destinations for global companies and to retain the companies they already have. Insourcing and workforce development programs are valuable resources as states try to cultivate healthy economies. The Council of State Governments' policy academy, "U.S. Workforce Development: Building Capacity at Home," will explore the connections between education and workforce development during the 2014 CSG National/CSG West Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, in August.

As states continue to diversify their energy portfolios, renewable energy sources--like solar technology--will play an increasing role. Policymakers will have an opportunity to hear from experts in the solar energy field during a policy academy at the CSG National/CSG West 2014 Annual Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, Aug. 13. The one-day policy academy will provide an overview of policies related to solar--specifically, net metering, the value of solar and feed-in-tariffs.

The bad news is a lot of people across the country can't get access to appropriate and timely dental care. The good news is state policymakers can help improve the situation. That was the message delivered by speakers at a recent CSG eCademy, "How Does the ACA Change the Oral Health Landscape?" Shelly Gehshan, director of children's dental health at The Pew Charitable Trusts, said states have been "falling down on the job" when it comes to ensuring children on public assistance programs receive the dental care they need.

CHICAGO--Paul Patrick, the deputy division director of the Utah Department of Health, is eager to begin the enactment of an agreement that would recognize emergency medical services personnel from state to state. "This is probably the greatest step forward for state EMS offices," said Patrick. "It will bring EMS on par with other health care professions in recognition of the training and experience of its personnel." Several other groups, including nurses, already operate under licensure compacts that allow members to work across state lines. But the EMS compact--known as Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, or REPLICA--has a long way to go.

Policymakers attending The Council of State Governments' National and CSG West 2014 Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, will have an opportunity hear about a new distance learning compact being developed by CSG's National Center for Interstate Compacts. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is intended to simplify and streamline the process for authorizing online degree programs across state lines. The agreement aims to increase access to degree attainment and reduce costs for students, states and institutions. Participation in the agreement is voluntary for states and institutions.